For centuries, Catiglione's perfect courtier provided a model for the educated classes of Europe; but its colorful dialogues explore vital ethical issues: Should the courtier consciously use "image-management" or rely on natural talents to gain attention? Should he obey the orders of an immoral prince? Sexual equality, modesty and the province of wit are contemplated by nineteen men and four women in this work which influenced Wyatt, Sidney, Spenser, Shakespeare, and later Yeats.

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About the Author:

Daniel Javitch is Professor of Comparative Literature at New York University. He is the author of Poetry and Courtliness in Renaissance England, Proclaiming a Classic: The Canonization of Orlando Furioso, and is at work on a book tentatively entitled Thinking About Genre in the Sixteenth Century. He has been, since 1972, a director of New Directions Publishing Corporation.

Charles S. Singleton was Professor Emeritus of Hispanic and Italian Studies at Johns Hopkins University. He also translated Boccaccio’s Decameron and Dante’s The Divine Comedy, and was awarded Italy’s Order of Commendation for his contributions to the study of Italian literature.